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Raymond nominated for 'Most Awesome Mascot'

7/10/13: A 13-inning game is too much for mascot Raymond as he dons his nightshirt and cap just before the Rays win in walk-off fashion

By Bill Chastain
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MLB.com |

ST. PETERSBURG -- Hats off to Raymond, as the Rays' mascot is among the elite.

The Cartoon Network has announced that Raymond has been nominated for the "Most Awesome Mascot" award at its fourth annual Hall of Game Awards show.

The Cartoon Network Hall of Game Awards, set for Feb. 17 at 7 p.m. ET, will feature icons from television, film, music and sports, as kids experience an evening of fun. Fans can log on to hallofgame.com now to vote in each of the 10 categories at this year's awards.

Raymond is the lone Major League Baseball mascot up for the "Most Awesome Mascot" award.

Cartoon Network put together a pool of nominees and a panel of previous mascot performers chose the top four. Raymond is facing off against "Benny the Bull" of the NBA's Chicago Bulls, "Bailey" of the NHL's Los Angeles Kings and "Swoop" of the NFL's Philadelphia Eagles.

This first-of-its-kind sports award and entertainment event for kids will once again be produced by IMG Media, the production arm of global sports, entertainment and media company, IMG. Time Inc. Sports Group's SI KIDS franchise will again serve as an official media partner. Veteran award-winning television and special events producer Michael Dempsey and Steve Mayer return as director and executive producers, respectively.

Viewers can expect a star-packed red carpet, on-stage celebrity surprises, superstars from television, film, music and sports, and hilarious high jinks all wrapped up into one awards show.

Bill Chastain is a reporter for MLB.com. This story was not subject to the approval of Major League Baseball or its clubs.